a note from R.W. GRAND MASTER JEFFREY WONDERLING

Caring for the vulnerable. Protecting the weak. Empowering the young. Educating the curious.

These are the values of Pennsylvania Masons. And these are the missions of our Masonic Charities. While each Masonic charity has its own mission, at the core of each organization is Pennsylvania Freemasonry, and at the heart is our generous donors.

In 2022, The Masonic Library and Museum of Pennsylvania continued to tell the story of Pennsylvania Masonry through the preservation of artifacts, artwork, books, records and more. Many items await discovery and restoration in the archives, all of which have shaped the history of Freemasonry. Thanks to donors, the nearly-completed lighting project will spotlight the Masonic Temple, inviting members, visitors, scholars and students to come inside and explore the 150-year-old National Historic Landmark.

The Pennsylvania Masonic Youth Foundation supported youth groups in leading community service projects for neighbors in need. The scholarship program, made possible through donors, helped young scholars pursue their goals through college or career and vocational opportunities. Participants were impacted by bullying prevention workshops and the LifeSkills Conference, where they learned skills to enrich their communities.

The Masonic Children’s Home provided up to 40 children with a clean, safe and loving home. For many of the children, it is the first time they’ve experienced stability in their young lives. With the support of donors, house parents and tutors ensure all the necessities for a good childhood are available, including the chance for kids to pursue higher education and achieve their dreams.

The Masonic Villages cared for and served more than 2,800 residents, focusing on engagement and fulfillment, as it has for the last 150 years. The organization has endured wars, economic depressions and pandemics and continues to face challenges. Current government funding falls significantly short of the costs to provide services for residents unable to afford their care. With donors’ generous support, these shortfalls will never impact the quality of care provided, and with the addition of the Evergreen end-of-life care neighborhood and therapies like the multi-sensory rooms, staff continue to enhance residents’ well-being. The Masonic Outreach Program remained a lifeline for Pennsylvania Masons, their wives or widows facing hardships.

The missions of our Masonic Charities are only successful because of YOU. Thank you for supporting our charities in 2022 and spreading the values of Pennsylvania Freemasonry to those in need.